It’s a pretty darn good week on Grub Guide, since we found activities for you on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday! Two of them involve spending zero money. Cool down with fro-yo and beer, or warm your belly with lobster tacos and lots ‘o meat. You will not leave hungry.
Happy 1st Anniversary, Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen! – Irvine
TONITE! The Irvine outpost of Cha Cha’s is having an all-day celebration for their first birthday. Enjoy live mariachi, a Latin band, plus traditional folklorico dancing. Featured specials include lobster tacos, an El Palomar marg, and $20 tequila flights, utilizing AsomBroso Tequila. Proceeds to their shindig will benefit Olive Crest. 13126 Jamboree Rd., (714) 408-7819; www.chachaslatinkitchen.com.
Celebrate the Fro-Yo (and Ice Cream) Triple Threat in Rancho Mission Viejo
From 5-8 p.m. on Friday the 13th, play it safe and head to the ribbon cutting for Yogurtland’s newest spot. Pick up prizes, gift cards and $2 unlimited tasting cups. On Saturday Sunday, enjoy BOGO (Buy One, Get One Free) deals at all locations to celebrate National Ice Cream Day! In addition, they’re bringing back the Oreo Cookies & Creme flavor that same day. They’re great at packing together all the delicious reasons to celebrate! 30841 Gateway Place (Sendero Marketplace); www.yogurt-land.com.
Newport Beach Wine & Food Festival Now on Sale!
Promoting a festival that isn’t for another three months usually isn’t our style. However, since this one is already starting to sell out, it’s our duty to report back and give you fair warning. Occurring October 4-7, the NBWF is an extended weekend of activities and tastings. What makes this one of our favorite is the generous amount of shade covering throughout, plus the abundance of sips and tastes to choose from. While the grand tastings are still available, individual events are booked full (most notably, the Nobu Matsuhisa cooking demo and lunch). Carve out some time to check out the action. Our bets are on the Celebrity Chef Sunset Cruise getting sold out next. 100 Civic Center Dr.; www.newportwineandfood.com.
Anaheim Brewery is Ready to Par-tay
Expect a ceremonial keg tapping of Tavern Ale at the anniversary of Anaheim Brewery this Saturday. Cool tunes by Brother Yusef and eats available from The Viking Truck round things out. Enjoy the chill, entry-free, cover charge-free vibe they’re known for. And be sure to say “hey” to Barbara! 336 S. Anaheim Blvd., (714) 780-1888; www.anaheimbrew.com.
What is AltaMed Food & Wine?
Operating 46 sites throughout LA and OC, AltaMed is the largest independent Federally Qualified Health Center in the United States. Of the three major events held during festival weekend, only one occurs in Orange County. That is on Saturday, July 28 at Mission San Juan Capistrano. Dubbed OC Meets Napa, the evening get-together joins gourmet eats with Latino-owned vineyards. Over 60 restaurants and wineries are represented, including Manny Velasco of Sol Agave and Art Gonzalez from Roe Seafood and Panxa Cocina. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit www.altamedfoodwine.org. 26801 Ortega Hwy., (949) 234-1300
Who Wants a Free Gift Card to Agora Churrascaria? – Irvine
Going on since Tuesday and ending this Sunday, The Lincoln Motor Company strikes again with a deal that’s tough to turn down. Stop by the local churrascaria for a peek at one of their vehicles, and get rewarded with a $25 gift card. No dining is required. Really. You’ll find them off Main weekdays from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5-9 p.m. Weekends are from 5-10 p.m. only. 1830 Main St., (949) 222-9910; www.agorachurrascaria.com.
A contributing writer for OC Weekly, Anne Marie freelances for multiple online and print publications, and guest judges for culinary competitions. A Bay Area transplant, she graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management from Cal Poly Pomona. Find her on Instagram as brekkiefan.